Why Does Your Body Produce So Much Mucus During Illness?
Find out why your body produces excess mucus post-cold and how it relates to your respiratory system.
When you're sick, it feels like your body is in a constant battle with mucus. Mucus Production in Nose: Inside your nose, mucus glands work in concert with glands in your respiratory and digestive systems, releasing mucus to capture and transport various particles, such as dust, viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Role of Mucus in Sickness: During an illness, your body ramps up mucus production to expel the virus from your nose. The mucus thickens with cell debris, bacteria, and inflammatory cells, aiding in the removal process. Mucus in the Lungs: Similarly, your lungs produce mucus, which can thicken into phlegm to help remove impurities and reduce virus and bacteria buildup in your body.
